WCP5637

[1] [p. 83]

To MR. E. SMEDLEY

Broadstone, Wimborne.

January 31, 1906.

Dear Mr. Smedley,—

I have read Oliver Lodge's book in answer to Haeckel, but I do not think it very well done or at all clearly written or well argued. A book¹ has been sent me, however, which is a masterpiece of clearness and sound reasoning on such difficult questions, and is a far more crushing reply to Haeckel than O. Lodge's. I therefore send you a copy, and feel sure you will enjoy it. It is a stiff piece of reasoning, and wants close attention and careful thought, but I think you will be able to appreciate it. In my opinion it comes as near to an intelligible solution of the great problems of the Universe as we are likely [2] [p. 84] to get while on earth. It is a book to read and think over, and read again. It is a masterpiece....—

Yours very truly,

ALFRED R. WALLACE.